Review: Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s sequel to her critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

My Review

I adored the cover of this book since I saw it revealed, and I guess I made some assumptions about the female lead being demure and gentle, but that is not at all what Kate embodies! Her aggressive pursuit of Charles is tempered by glimpses of vulnerability that help the reader connect with both her and Charles as their relationship shifts from random strangers meeting over a dirty street dog to acquaintances to more. I admired that Kate had the confidence to go after what she wanted instead of waiting or giving up, even if it bordered the edge of society's norms. She sure got Charles's attention with her antics, and while he kept his emotions close to the chest with a stern expression, she slowly worked her way into softening his heart. Lovely, fun story!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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